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Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age #0.5
Counterfeit Truth
She wants to prove the Secret Service is corrupt. He just wants to keep her safe.
Felicity Richmond is determined to prove her place at her male-dominated family newspaper. If Father wants a story on the Secret Service's corruption, then that's what she'll get him—at any cost. But Gregory Thompson is willing to kill rather than be exposed. When her plan to catch him goes horribly wrong, her rescue comes in the form of Secret Service operative Hayden Orton. The one man she longs for but can never have.
Hayden Orton nearly had former operative Thompson in his grasp . . . until Felicity interfered. Now it's his responsibility to keep her out of the way until Thompson is arrested. Disguising her protection as a chance at an exclusive story, he invites her to join him on an investigation of the Philadelphia Mint robbery.
But Felicity isn't content to just observe. As they work together—and at odds—to discover the culprit, Felicity stirs up trouble and emotions that leave Hayden wondering if finding the truth might cost him more than he's ready for.
*Available free to newsletter subscribers
Felicity Richmond is determined to prove her place at her male-dominated family newspaper. If Father wants a story on the Secret Service's corruption, then that's what she'll get him—at any cost. But Gregory Thompson is willing to kill rather than be exposed. When her plan to catch him goes horribly wrong, her rescue comes in the form of Secret Service operative Hayden Orton. The one man she longs for but can never have.
Hayden Orton nearly had former operative Thompson in his grasp . . . until Felicity interfered. Now it's his responsibility to keep her out of the way until Thompson is arrested. Disguising her protection as a chance at an exclusive story, he invites her to join him on an investigation of the Philadelphia Mint robbery.
But Felicity isn't content to just observe. As they work together—and at odds—to discover the culprit, Felicity stirs up trouble and emotions that leave Hayden wondering if finding the truth might cost him more than he's ready for.
*Available free to newsletter subscribers
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Caudill
8 books539 followersCrystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 27, 2024
Counterfeit Truth is an action-packed story of the Gilded Age with likable characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed the vivaciousness and independence of Felicity Richmond as she tries to make it as a journalist along with her protective father and brothers, even when it puts her in danger. Hayden Orten, Secret Service Operative, is the perfect calm to her whirlwind personality, and tries hard to keep her out of trouble. This story has suspense, romance, danger, family squabbles, and a little humor in this great read. Those who enjoy historical romance suspense with a faith thread will enjoy this one.
I received a copy from the author. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy from the author. These are my thoughts.
January 13, 2023
Review pending
November 12, 2022
This was another page-turner from author Crystal Caudill that included family drama, danger, and a wonderful sweet romance. Felicity Richmond was a very headstrong young lady with three brothers who felt she had to earn her father’s love. Hayden Orton, an undercover Secret Service operative, was tasked with protecting her. I read with interest to see if their slow-simmering affection for one another could stand a chance against the many obstacles in their path. Woven throughout was an uplifting spiritual theme of letting God have control of their lives. This book is a novella and prequel to the full length novel, Counterfeit Love, the first book in her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. I would recommend this book to readers of Christian historical fiction and romance as well as those who enjoy books by authors Michelle Griep and Abigail Wilson.
March 3, 2023
This delightful novella, the prequel to the Hidden Hearts of The Gilded Age series, is a quick, entertaining read. Set in Philadelphia, the story features engaging characters, an intriguing plot, an inspiring faith thread, and a bit of sweet romance. I look forward to reading the entire series!
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2023
Wonderful introduction to this author's debut series! Caudill's style utilized a good balance of historical detective (secret service agent) and feisty heroine romance. I purchased the first and second books recently and received a complimentary copy of this novella after signing up for the author's newsletter. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 17, 2024
I love this book!!! :) it’s funny, exciting, and Christian! I highly recommend it if your for romance!
January 23, 2026
I love a spunky female character, and Felicity fit the bill. Lots of fun action sequences too. A quick read, perfect for a winter afternoon or a day at the beach.
March 21, 2024
unexpected
I like the MC. She is strong, stubborn and smart. This is set in a time where women didn’t have much or any say so that drove me a little crazy. Still…a good story.
I like the MC. She is strong, stubborn and smart. This is set in a time where women didn’t have much or any say so that drove me a little crazy. Still…a good story.
July 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this novella!
It starts out with suspense and action right from the start. I was rooting for the MCs almost the entire story to finally acknowledge their feelings. The way it played out was perfect and sweet, especially in such a terrifying moment for Hayden.
The historical facts mixed into the book are fascinating too; make sure and read the notes at the end of the novella. I absolutely love it when historical fiction authors provide some of the true historical inspiration of their novels.
It starts out with suspense and action right from the start. I was rooting for the MCs almost the entire story to finally acknowledge their feelings. The way it played out was perfect and sweet, especially in such a terrifying moment for Hayden.
The historical facts mixed into the book are fascinating too; make sure and read the notes at the end of the novella. I absolutely love it when historical fiction authors provide some of the true historical inspiration of their novels.
October 1, 2023
4 stars. Read via Kindle.
I think this novella prequel is the first book I’ve read from the Gilded Age but perhaps I am simply forgetting.
I loved the tenacity of the main character. She was true to who she was. My favourite aspects of the book were the grit and humour. I learned more about a subject I know very little about — counterfeit. I appreciated the main character’s desire to honour God in all she did.
I have books 1 & 2 to read yet in this Gilded Age series.
I think this novella prequel is the first book I’ve read from the Gilded Age but perhaps I am simply forgetting.
I loved the tenacity of the main character. She was true to who she was. My favourite aspects of the book were the grit and humour. I learned more about a subject I know very little about — counterfeit. I appreciated the main character’s desire to honour God in all she did.
I have books 1 & 2 to read yet in this Gilded Age series.
November 10, 2022
Counterfeit Truth
Crystal Caudill
Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age - Book # 0.5
"Felicity Richmond pulled a derringer from her skirt pocket and peered around the door leading into the shipping warehouse."
Excellent opening line!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story wrought with danger that had me clinching several times. Crystal has a wonderful writing style whose faith shines through the pages.
QUOTES I ENJOYED:
"Neither her father nor her brothers would have protected her from the splash, and especially not when angry with her. Hayden really was the gentleman of her dreams. Too bad he had to be a Secret Service operative."
"Poor, naïve Hayden. She and rules went together like dynamite and a flame. This was going to be quite the adventure."
"Lord, help me to be compliant. We both know that is not my strength."
🎄The download was a generous Christmas gift from the author for newsletter subscribers. We were not asked to write a review, but I loved it so much I simply wanted to show my appreciation. Plus Crystal is a genuinely kind person I have enjoyed interacting with. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
END OF BOOK:
This novella is a prequel to the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series published by Kregel Publications. Each book in the series follows a different Secret Service operative through a counterfeiting case where danger and romance work to complicate matters. If you are interested in learning more, you can head to CrystalCaudill.com, for blurbs, purchase links, and bonus content.
📚Available Now:
Counterfeit Love
📚 eBook available now:
Counterfeit Truth
📚Coming 2/14/2023: Counterfeit Hope
Crystal Caudill
Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age - Book # 0.5
"Felicity Richmond pulled a derringer from her skirt pocket and peered around the door leading into the shipping warehouse."
Excellent opening line!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story wrought with danger that had me clinching several times. Crystal has a wonderful writing style whose faith shines through the pages.
QUOTES I ENJOYED:
"Neither her father nor her brothers would have protected her from the splash, and especially not when angry with her. Hayden really was the gentleman of her dreams. Too bad he had to be a Secret Service operative."
"Poor, naïve Hayden. She and rules went together like dynamite and a flame. This was going to be quite the adventure."
"Lord, help me to be compliant. We both know that is not my strength."
🎄The download was a generous Christmas gift from the author for newsletter subscribers. We were not asked to write a review, but I loved it so much I simply wanted to show my appreciation. Plus Crystal is a genuinely kind person I have enjoyed interacting with. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
END OF BOOK:
This novella is a prequel to the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series published by Kregel Publications. Each book in the series follows a different Secret Service operative through a counterfeiting case where danger and romance work to complicate matters. If you are interested in learning more, you can head to CrystalCaudill.com, for blurbs, purchase links, and bonus content.
📚Available Now:
Counterfeit Love
📚 eBook available now:
Counterfeit Truth
📚Coming 2/14/2023: Counterfeit Hope
January 15, 2026
I believe this is an introduction to the series. All in all, a good novella. I did get confused in parts, but that's me. Felicity was a character!!! I liked Hayden, he was trying to keep Felicity safe, but she kept getting into trouble! I loved Hayden's mother too. Felicity's father was hard to like, He wanted stories for the paper at all costs. It did get a bit tense on times, and a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. There were some lighter moments in the book too.
I have this ebook from the Author (by signing up to her newsletters). These are my own views on the book.
A few quotes that I liked -
"Lord, help me to be compliant, we both know that is not my strength"
"When we try to control a situation, we're telling God He's not doing his job good enough, and we know how to do it better."
"watching the evening stars emerge from the inky darkness. Countless in number, they reminded him of how infinitely small he was compared to the God who made them."
"No matter what happened, at least he could always lean into the truth that God was in control."
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I have this ebook from the Author (by signing up to her newsletters). These are my own views on the book.
A few quotes that I liked -
"Lord, help me to be compliant, we both know that is not my strength"
"When we try to control a situation, we're telling God He's not doing his job good enough, and we know how to do it better."
"watching the evening stars emerge from the inky darkness. Countless in number, they reminded him of how infinitely small he was compared to the God who made them."
"No matter what happened, at least he could always lean into the truth that God was in control."
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 14, 2022
Entering into the world of the Secret Service and their fight against counterfeiters made my afternoon speed by quickly. I loved the spunky, determined, and impetuous Felicity Redmond. She is tired of writing fluff articles for her father's newspaper so she decides to do some investigative reporting on her own. But, as she uncovers details about what is happening with a counterfeit network, her life is at risk. Agent Hayden Orton has quite the unenviable task in trying to keep her safe and out of the way of the investigation. The hair-raising exploits that Felicity continues to find herself in had me nervous and at the same time smiling to see what lengths she would go to in order to get a story.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers of all ages. It is the beginning of the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and I look forward to reading more of the books that Ms. Caudill has planned.
I was given a complimentary electronic copy of the novella. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers of all ages. It is the beginning of the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and I look forward to reading more of the books that Ms. Caudill has planned.
I was given a complimentary electronic copy of the novella. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2024
This was such a fun and even informative novella. Secret service operative Hayden is tasked with keeping reporter Felicity out of trouble as they both investigate a robbery at the Philadelphia Mint. However, Felicity finds trouble the same way Lois Lane does when she's hunting down a good story. Hayden tries to keep up with her and keep her out of danger, but Felicity is too good at sneaking around . . . until the villain finds her.
This novella didn't feel like a novella. So much happened, I don't know how it all fit in this short book. There was romance, there was mystery, there was a scheming villain, there was faith. Also, the full cast of characters was so well developed that I felt each one come to life on the page. I really enjoyed learning about Philadelphia and the surrounding areas in the 1890s. I'm looking forward to learning more and joining in on more adventures as I read the rest of this series.
This novella didn't feel like a novella. So much happened, I don't know how it all fit in this short book. There was romance, there was mystery, there was a scheming villain, there was faith. Also, the full cast of characters was so well developed that I felt each one come to life on the page. I really enjoyed learning about Philadelphia and the surrounding areas in the 1890s. I'm looking forward to learning more and joining in on more adventures as I read the rest of this series.
August 31, 2025
I wanted to like this one, but was struggling with a certain aspect, and it ended up being a pretty big part of the story. I don't believe we can (or should) talk to the dead, and that even attempting to is sin and playing with fire. The Bible warns against necromancy and consulting spirits and mediums, this is definitely close to that, if not crossing over into that territory. The FMC not only talks to her dead relative (it's one sided, thankfully, but still not good) and encourages the MMC to do the same, making a joke about it as if it's completely normal. I understand in catholic teaching it is. That doesn't make it right or acceptable to God, and it was increasingly uncomfortable with how it was portrayed in this story.
I enjoyed the overall all story, and even the characters, but this one aspect prevented me from being able to fully enjoy this one, and makes me hesitant to read anything else from the author now that I know our beliefs are likely to clash in this way. Which is sad, since I was looking forward to the rest of this series, but maybe it's better that I find out now, and just move on.
Her story writing and characters are delightful. I just can't ignore my convictions, especially when it clearly teaches in the Bible to stay away from such things... The 3/5 was for the characters and the overall story.
I enjoyed the overall all story, and even the characters, but this one aspect prevented me from being able to fully enjoy this one, and makes me hesitant to read anything else from the author now that I know our beliefs are likely to clash in this way. Which is sad, since I was looking forward to the rest of this series, but maybe it's better that I find out now, and just move on.
Her story writing and characters are delightful. I just can't ignore my convictions, especially when it clearly teaches in the Bible to stay away from such things... The 3/5 was for the characters and the overall story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
I read this prequel after I had read all three books in the series. If I had read this one first, I am not sure I would have continued with the series. We follow Felicity, the daughter of a newspaper man, who is out to prove the Secret Service is corrupt - all except Hayden. As the two of them are forced to work together, they become convinced of their feelings for each other. I did not care for Felicity - a woman who was too head-strong, too opinionated, too unrestrained with no care for anyone else's feelings or safety. It was all just a bit much. On the plus side, there was no sex or profanity.
January 19, 2025
Felicity wants to write about the truth at all costs. She wants recognition for her newspaper owning father that she is a good writer worthy of front page stories. This puts her at cross purpose with agent Hayden Orton. The situations in which they find themselves as they try to solve a robbery are often dangerous. I like that they remind each other that God is ultimately in control. This is a well written story based on historical happenings. I enjoyed it.
Received free for signing up for author’s newsletter. I have read other books by her that I enjoyed.
Received free for signing up for author’s newsletter. I have read other books by her that I enjoyed.
November 5, 2022
Amazing novella by Crystal Caudill with realistic and relatable characters and a dash of both romance and suspense! I loved everything about this story except that it was too short (LOL which makes sense being that it is a novella) . Overall, definitely five stars and I cannot WAIT to read her next book!
September 28, 2024
This was a fantastic Prequel to both this author's work and the series. The Historical Christian fiction story was believable and the characters heartwarming. I especially loved the facts versus fiction at the end! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
I generally don’t like novellas as a rule but this was an exception! As a prequel to the series, it was a very well written story, interesting and surprisingly well developed characters (for such a short book). It was also funny! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
August 18, 2024
I loved this fast paced and faith filled novella! It was a joy to get to know the feisty Felicity and her love, Hayden! I loved how the author wove in historical events and figures and how I could barely put it down. This is my first book by this author, and I am grateful to have found her work!
July 20, 2025
I’m so glad I finally got around to reading this book, and can’t wait to continue the rest of the series! Counterfeit Truth was a truly enjoyable read filled with humor, faith, history, and a bit of mystery. If you’re looking for an entertaining quick read, then I would highly suggest this book!
November 24, 2022
Crystal Caudill knows how to write a novella! I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to more from this author.
November 24, 2022
What a fun read. I enjoyed Felicity immensely. She is irrepressible. A good story with enough action to keep you engaged and interested to keep turning the next page. Loved it.
February 18, 2023
I loved this book! Felicity is so feisty!
March 12, 2023
This is the perfect prequel novella to Crystal Caudill's Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series! Felicity is a super feisty heroine, and she got herself into some precarious situations- all for the right reasons, of course. This novella met all of my expectations, having read Crystal's other works. She never fails to draw the reader in with incredible details, but without making the story feel bogged down and boring. Must read!
May 7, 2023
Entertaining, though Felicity was so annoyingly thoughtless.
May 16, 2023
It’s always enjoyable to learn of history . Felicity was a strong woman with a soft side. Hayden’s heart softened in his protection of Felicity. Main thought: God is in control.
June 1, 2023
Great read
October 7, 2023
Just like the whole series, I LOVED this book. My favorite series this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews